Page 104 of Sweet Deception
I clenched my hands into fists. “You sent me away.”
My mother hurried to his side, placing a hand on his arm. “Please take it easy on her. She’s been through so much.”
My father exhaled, shaking his head as if in pain. Then, finally, he met my gaze.
“They killed Elisabetta.”
My breath hitched.
“They tortured her. Forced her to confess to things she never did. You think I poisoned you? To what end, Anna? What do I gain from that?”
His voice was smooth, persuasive, too persuasive.
“Those Russians were threatened by Elisabetta’s presence. That’s why they got rid of her.”
“You were sick, Anna. I spent years trying to find a cure for you. And this is how you repay me? By trusting them over your own family”
The words sent a shiver down my spine.
Was he lying?
My father leaned forward, voice softening. “And they didn’t kill you, because they needed you. They needed to twist you into their puppet.”
My mother touched my cheek, her eyes filled with carefully crafted sorrow.
“Do you really believe what those men say about your father?”
I lowered my head, playing the part of the confused, naive daughter.
Let them think I was weak. Let them believe I was uncertain.
Because I needed time.
“Can I see Gleb’s sister?”
A flicker of hesitation crossed my father’s face.
“Of course.”
Then my mother leaned in and whispered something in his ear.
His expression changed.
“But not now. Tomorrow.”
I forced myself to nod. To act obedient.
But my mind was already working.
Why wait?
What were they hiding?
I would find out.
And when I did, I would make them pay.
After freshening up, I turned on my phone and called Gleb.
